Caroline Kennedy Gets High Marks

Nearly one-third of Americans have a positive view of Caroline Kennedy, who is vying to be Sen. Hillary Clinton’s successor in the Senate. Some 31% of respondents in the latest Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll said they have either a “very” or “somewhat” positive view of former President John F. Kennedy’s daughter.

At the same time, 22% have either a “somewhat” or “very” negative view of Kennedy, while about one-third, 32% are neutral towards her.

Despite her name identification and political pedigree, New Yorkers aren’t smitten with the idea of Kennedy in the Senate, according to the latest Marist Poll released today. Four out of 10 registered New York voters said they want Democratic Gov. David Paterson to appoint New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, compared with 25% who believe Kennedy should get the job.

Cuomo’s support has surged in the Marist poll, which just last month showed the two candidates tied at 25% for New Yorkers’ support.

Paterson has been methodically vetting and meeting with potential Senate nominees, although he’ll have to make a decision soon. Clinton bid farewell to the Senate today in her final floor speech after the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee voted 16-1 to approve her nomination as secretary of state and send it to the Senate floor for a final confirmation vote.

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